Which 1911 brand do you prefer? If you could, list a reason why. Past/current experience? Feel, dependibility, accuracy?

If it's not on the list, feel free to state another option.

I am looking to get a 1911. I know, I know....I just got my USP-C 9mm you say. Well I just can't help myself. :-D

Let the debate begin.... :twisted:

05-19-2006, 05:43 PM

Stephen A. Camp

Hello. I voted Springfield Armory because the last several examples I've seen and shot have had very, very good slide-to-frame and slide-to-barrel fit.
I'm speaking specifically of the Mil Spec and what was once called the GI Mil Spec.

I voted for the SA pistol for a couple of other reasons as well:

1. They seem to be in the price range that many can afford, and

2. They offer a "basic no frills" pistol that can be used as is for many and is still a good "base gun" for folks who might want to customize the gun a little or a lot or in between.

(A third reason for myself is that it doesn't have those darned forward slide serrations.)

At this moment, my standard Mil Spec has roughly 3600 rounds through it and the gun has yet to malfunction. Normally, it was cleaned after every range session whether 100 or 300 rounds were fired. I did shoot it w/o internal cleaning for 700 shots before I couldn't stand it any longer and cleaned it.

My particular SA Mil Spec was not altered much on the outside, but its internal parts were replaced and were tweaked by triggersmith, Teddy Jacobson. The trigger settled in at about 4 1/4 lbs and has remained constant.

As the sights were "on" from the factory, I have no intention of changing them.

The spur hammer used by Mr. Jacobson was bobbed and reshaped to eliminate hammer bite and I dressed down the sharp edges of the GI grip safety. For me, it is not as comfortable as a wide, fitted grip safety, but it is fine for a couple of hundred rounds at a time. Others might have no problem at all with more shots per session.

As it came from the factory, this Mil Spec grouped quite satisfactorily for me.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...gammorock3.jpgPerhaps the changing of the grips is the most visible change on this Mil Spec. This one has never malfunctioned and accuracy has proven better than expected. The only other SA 1911-type handgun I own is a lightweight 5" gun I got several years ago. The one pictures is fitted better from the factory than my older gun and does group better.

That's a tough call. I like Springfield and Kimber a lot. I own a Kimber and have shot a friends a lot and both are excellent guns. I have shot a co-workers Springer and it was a great gun too. I guess since I own a Kimber I will go with them though.

I don't have a 1911 style handgun, but I would have to choose either the original Colt or a Springfield.

05-25-2006, 09:38 AM

Hal8000

I'll have to get a Springfield, then I can post with a better informed opinion... From my experiences so far, I'd have to say Kimber... Although Colt is a close second.

05-26-2006, 04:09 PM

Bob Wright

Try the next gun show, or if you can get in touch with a gun collector's club. Maybe place it on consignment at you dealer's.

Couple of years back a friend of mine died. His nephew inherited his collection of military arms, but was not interested in keeping it. So he put the collection in the local gun shop, selling individual pieces.

The collector's came out of the woodwoork!

As I remember, some pieces were of little or no value, but the really good ones brought in fair prices. If I remember correctly, the dealer told me her commission was around $5000.

The commision was well worth it, not having to deal with each buyer or would-be buyer.

Just some thoughts.

Bob Wright

05-26-2006, 04:57 PM

tex45acp

I had a little extra money from some real deals I have made over the years s0 I bought into the Wilson Combat line and have never looked back. My second choices will be my Springfields then Kimbers then Para's then those darn ole jumping ponies!!!

05-26-2006, 09:44 PM

spacedoggy

What about the S&W line of 1911's. I don't hear much about them just my dealer tells me they are great guns.

05-26-2006, 10:25 PM

Shipwreck

I have heard the sam ething. If I ever get another, I would consider one.

05-26-2006, 11:18 PM

Mystro

Jack Bauer’s calendar goes from March 31st to April 2nd; no one fools Jack Bauer.
Looks like the Chinese may have fooled him this time! :-D

Back to business...Frame of reference
1 History of 1911? or current 1911s trends?
2 Pistols with a purpose? or Pistols with a marketing plan?
3 Shoot everytime reliability? or finiciky range rod?
4 Half a dozen models to choose from? or a catalogue of options?

Anybody see where this is goin'? Throw out you magazine articles and listen to actual shooters. COLT, hands down. 8)

05-26-2006, 11:32 PM

Shipwreck

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mystro

Jack Bauer’s calendar goes from March 31st to April 2nd; no one fools Jack Bauer.
Looks like the Chinese may have fooled him this time! :-D

Oh, he'll get out of it easy :wink:

Jack Bauer once told God he needed access, the event has since been
referred to as “The Big Bang.”

05-28-2006, 06:03 PM

Zerwas

Kimber is a good value for a pistol, but I prefer Springfield pistols. I have a TRP Professional and it works for me. I also like the SVI line of 1911 pistols as well. There are MANY good companies making fine 1911 style pistols.

05-29-2006, 06:45 PM

Ala Dan

For me, in order of preference:

a) Les Baer Thunder Ranch 1911 .45 ACP

2) Springfield Armory WW-II G.I. replica / and Mil Spec

3) Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II

06-03-2006, 08:35 PM

rjm713

I own and use a Rock Island Armory 1911. Its been absolutly perfect.No FTF or FTE with any ammo I've used so far. Best part is the price of $340 NIB out the door.

06-03-2006, 10:00 PM

Navy87Guy

RJM713 beat me to it....I thought I would be the first to sing the praises of the humble RIA. I, too, got mine for under $350 and it's a tack driver! I bought it in part because I wanted to try my hand at gunsmithing. I changed out the grip safety, trigger, sights and hammer. Not because I had to -- but because I wanted to.

I plan on using it for some USPSA 1911 Single Stack competition in the near future (when I find the spare time!)

Jim

06-09-2006, 11:13 AM

Shipwreck

Those Rock RIver Armory guns can be had at a good price. It's just that everyone once in a while I read about one that is so out of spec that it can't even be fixed, nor can new parts be added. That's what has always kept me from jumping onto that wagon...

06-11-2006, 05:58 AM

riot earp

I prefer springfields. I'm not gonna say the kimber or any of the rest are'nt good guns. Heres the reason I like springers.

1911's are not supposed to have firing pin blocks. If your too in competent to keep it cocked and locked safely you should'nt have one.

Along time ago John Browning invented the perfect pistol. It only needed a few changes to get us to where we are today. Springfield Armory stays pretty close to that design. If I were going to buy a Kimber it would be the warrior. They biult it for the marines, and the marines told them to "keep your hands off of it". No firing block or series II crap on this one.